Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a timeless dish that many of us love for its creamy texture and comforting flavors. However, if you’re looking for a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor, this Cottage Cheese Egg Salad recipe is perfect for you. Packed with protein and a delightful balance of creamy cottage cheese, fresh herbs, and perfectly boiled eggs, it’s a satisfying meal or snack. Whether you’re preparing a light lunch or need a side dish for a gathering, this recipe brings a modern twist to a beloved classic.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Making this Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is super simple with just a few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced small
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon parsley leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chives, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground
Preparation Instructions
This Cottage Cheese Egg Salad comes together quickly, so let’s walk through the steps!
Step 1: Boil the Eggs
- Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop the four eggs into the boiling water.
- Set a timer for 12 minutes to ensure the eggs are perfectly hard-boiled.
- Once the timer goes off, immediately remove the eggs from the hot water and place them in a bowl of icy cold water to cool. This will stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies and Herbs
While the eggs are cooling, it’s a great time to prep the other ingredients.
- Dice the red onion into small pieces.
- Chop the parsley and chives finely, ensuring they’re ready to be added to the salad for a fresh burst of flavor.
Step 3: Peel and Chop the Eggs
Once the eggs have cooled, peel them and cut them in half lengthwise.
- Remove the yolks from two of the four eggs and set them aside.
- Chop the remaining two eggs (both whites and yolks) and transfer them into a medium mixing bowl.
Step 4: Blend the Cottage Cheese Mixture
In a mini food processor, add the cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the reserved yolks from two eggs.
- Process the ingredients until smooth. If necessary, pause the food processor and scrape the sides to make sure everything is well blended.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the smooth cottage cheese mixture to the bowl with the chopped eggs.
- Next, add the diced red onion, chopped parsley, chopped chives, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together with a spoon or a rubber spatula until it’s thoroughly combined.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
Step 6: Serve and Store
Serve the Cottage Cheese Egg Salad immediately or store it in the fridge in an airtight container for later. It’s perfect for meal prep, and it’ll last for 2-3 days in the fridge.
Notes on the Cottage Cheese Egg Salad Recipe
- Adjust the Seasoning: Depending on your taste preferences, you can adjust the amount of mustard, lemon juice, or herbs used. You can even experiment with adding a bit of garlic powder or paprika for an extra flavor boost.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can swap the cottage cheese for a dairy-free yogurt or vegan sour cream for a similar creamy texture.
- Add Protein: If you want to increase the protein content, try adding some Grilled Chicken Pineapple Skewers or Chicken Alfredo with Zucchini Noodles to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is simple, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your egg salad turns out perfect:
- Overcooking the Eggs: If you boil the eggs for too long, they will develop a greenish ring around the yolk and can become rubbery. Stick to 12 minutes for perfectly boiled eggs.
- Peeling Eggs: Make sure to cool the eggs in ice water to make peeling easier. You can also crack the shell gently and roll the egg to loosen it before peeling.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Cottage Cheese Egg Salad makes a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting this dish:
- Serve on Toast: For a heartier meal, serve the egg salad on toasted bread or crackers. A Cheddar Bay Biscuit Ground Beef Cobbler would pair wonderfully with this salad for a fulfilling meal.
- As a Sandwich: Use the egg salad as a filling for a sandwich or wrap. You could also try a BLT Dip on the side for a perfect snack combination.
- On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter meal, serve the egg salad on top of a salad base like spinach or arugula, paired with a fresh dressing like Lemon Basil Dressing.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover egg salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days to keep it fresh. If you notice the salad becoming too thick after refrigerating, simply stir in a little more cottage cheese or a splash of lemon juice to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use store-bought mayonnaise instead of cottage cheese?
While mayonnaise is commonly used in traditional egg salad, this recipe uses cottage cheese for a healthier, creamy alternative. If you prefer mayonnaise, you can substitute it for the cottage cheese, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is great for meal prep and can be made up to 2-3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.
Can I use other herbs in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different herbs, like dill, tarragon, or basil, to give the egg salad a unique flavor.
Conclusion
This Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a fresh and healthy alternative to the classic version. With creamy cottage cheese, crunchy onions, and fresh herbs, it offers a great balance of flavors and textures. It’s simple to prepare, versatile, and perfect for meal prep. Enjoy it on its own, as a sandwich, or on top of a fresh salad.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! For more delicious and healthy recipes, make sure to subscribe to our blog and stay up to date with the latest food trends.
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Cottage Cheese Egg Salad: A Creamy and Healthy Twist on a Classic
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 people 1x
Description
Egg salad is a timeless dish that many of us love for its creamy texture and comforting flavors. However, if you’re looking for a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor, this Cottage Cheese Egg Salad recipe is perfect for you. Packed with protein and a delightful balance of creamy cottage cheese, fresh herbs, and perfectly boiled eggs, it’s a satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 large eggs – The base of your salad, providing richness and texture.
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced small – Adds a sharp, savory flavor.
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese – Provides a creamy and healthier twist.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard – A tangy flavor that complements the eggs.
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice – Adds a bright, fresh zing.
- 1 tablespoon parsley leaves, chopped – A fresh herb that adds color and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chives, chopped – Mild, onion-like flavor that complements the salad.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the salad.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground – Adds seasoning to balance the ingredients.
Instructions
- Boil the Eggs: In a pot of boiling water, cook the eggs for 12 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. After cooking, place them in ice-cold water to cool. Peel and chop the eggs, removing the yolks from two of them.
- Prepare the Veggies and Herbs: While the eggs are cooling, dice the red onion and chop the parsley and chives.
- Blend the Cottage Cheese Mixture: In a food processor, blend cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and the reserved yolks until smooth.
- Combine Everything: Mix the smooth cottage cheese mixture with the chopped eggs, red onion, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later. This salad can be enjoyed within 2-3 days.
Notes
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the mustard, lemon juice, or herbs to your liking. Add garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free yogurt or vegan sour cream for a creamy alternative to cottage cheese.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken for a more filling meal or serve it alongside a hearty main dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
